Elizabeth “Bette” Irene Buntzen (Cherne)

Elizabeth “Bette” Irene Buntzen (Cherne), age 81, of Maple Grove, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on August 29, 2026.

Bette was born in Eveleth, Minnesota, to Lawrence Cherne and June (Raumer) Cherne. She later moved to Columbia Heights, Minnesota, where she attended high school. After graduating, she attended the Robinson School of Beauty and began working in a hair salon before eventually bringing her talents into her home.

Bette later discovered a true calling for working with children through the Head Start Program. She began by driving a Head Start school bus and eventually went on to attend the University of Minnesota, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education. She went on to build a successful licensed in-home daycare, caring for countless children while also raising and caring for her own family.

To the many children she cared for, Bette was simply known as Nana. She was Nana not only to her own grandchildren, but to every child who was lucky enough to spend time in her care. She was loving, patient, kind, and generous, and she had a way of making everyone feel like family.

Bette was known for her enormous heart and her affectionate nature. She would bend over backwards to help anyone who needed her and never hesitated to give a hug. In fact, when you first met Bette, there was a very good chance you were going to get a giant squeeze.

Baking was one of Bette’s greatest passions. Her Christmas cookie making would begin in November, when she would bake, freeze, and package treats for the many people she loved. Her Christmas cookies and banana bread became legendary, and she was also an incredible cake baker. On weekends, she made wedding cakes, and she took great pride in creating special birthday cakes for her grandchildren.

Bette was one of her family’s biggest supporters. She rarely missed her children’s sporting events and was famous for having the loudest voice in the stands. She cheered loudly, proudly, and enthusiastically for the people she loved. She was fiercely proud of her three grandchildren, Maya, Adam, and Tessa and loved nothing more than bragging about them to anyone who would listen. She cherished every moment she spent with them and loved celebrating their accomplishments, supporting their dreams and was always their biggest fan.

When Bette met Thomas “Tom” Buntzen, and they decided to get married after only knowing each other for three days, they blended their families and eventually made their home in Maple Grove. Family was always at the center of Bette’s life, and she treasured the time she spent with her husband, children, grandchildren, and extended family.

Bette was, without question, one of the strongest women her family knew. Throughout her life, she faced many challenges, including numerous surgeries and health issues in her later years. Yet she continued to show remarkable strength and resilience. No matter what life put in front of her, Bette found a way to keep going. She was tough, determined, and remarkably strong, but always remained loving and caring toward the people around her.

Bette will be deeply missed by her husband, Thomas Buntzen; her children, Deb Buntzen (Terri Morgan), Derek Cherne (Michelle), and Frank Buntzen (Sarah); and her grandchildren, Maya Cherne, Adam Cherne, and Tessa Cherne; and her siblings, Virginia Cherne and Andrew Cherne (Janine).

She was preceded in death by her parents, Lawrence Cherne and June Dootson, her stepfather, Hal Dootson, and her son, Michael Buntzen.

Bette leaves behind a legacy of love that lives on through her family, the many children she cared for, and all those who were fortunate enough to know her. Her hugs, her laughter, her baking, and the love she gave so freely will never be forgotten.

Memorial service to be held on Friday, September 25 at 1:30 pm

Wayzata Community Church

125 Wayzata Blvd

Wayzata, MN 55391

And afterwards a Celebration of Life will be held from 3:00-7:00 pm

Elks Lodge #2221

30 8th Avenue South

Hopkins, MN 55343

memorial service

Memorial Service

September 25, 2026

Wayzata Community Church 125 Wayzata Blvd, Wayzata, MN 55391, USA

Funeral/Cremation Provider: Crescent Tide Cremation Services

memorial service

Celebration of Life

September 25, 2026

Hopkins Elks Lodge #2221 30 8th Ave S, Hopkins, MN 55343, USA

Funeral/Cremation Provider: Crescent Tide Cremation Services